Trials

06.23.11

Sweat Lodge ‘Guru’ Found Guilty

Tom Tingle, Pool / AP Photo

James Arthur Ray, the self-help guru who had appeared on Oprah, was found guilty Wednesday of negligent homicide in the deaths of three people who died during a sweat-lodge ceremony he hosted in 2009. Fifty-six people had paid $10,000 each to attend the event, which Ray would help them achieve their full potential. They signed waivers acknowledging death was a risk; still, Ray encouraged them to ignore signs of distress. Ray was acquitted of more serious manslaughter charges. He could face anything from probation up to 11 years in prison.